The Effect of Mandibulectomy and Mandibulotomy on Cochlear Function

Mandibulectomy and mandibulotomy procedures are performed with the oscillating saw and the acoustic energy generated during the osteotomies is transferred to the cochlea via temporomandibular joint and air conduction. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of mandibulectomy and mandibulotomy on cochlear function. This study was carried out on 15 patients who underwent at an otolaryngology department of a tertiary medical center between January 2013 and August 2015. The study was designed as a prospective study. All of the data were prospectively collected. These included demographic data, date of the surgery, type of surgery, preoperative pure-tone audiometry, preoperative and postoperative distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) measurements. Of the DPOAE measurements, there was a statistically significant difference between the signal-to-noise ratio measurement on the right ear measurement at 4kHz (P<0.05). Additionally, there was a statistically significant correlation between the signal-to-noise ratio measurements and the side of the osteotomy (P<0.05). In conclusion, it is found that mandibulectomy and mandibulotomy procedure has a negative effect on cochlear function in the early period. The DPOAEs were diminished on the osteotomy site in day one postoperatively. Results with a longer follow-up time can yield more information on the prognosis of the cochlear damage.